Spiral breast computed tomography (CT): signal-to-noise and dose optimization using 3D-printed phantoms.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To investigate the dependence of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and calculated average dose per volume of spiral breast-CT (B-CT) on breast size and breast density and to provide a guideline for choosing the optimal tube current for each B-CT examination.

Materials and methods

Three representative B-CT datasets (small, medium, large breast size) were chosen to create 3D-printed breast phantoms. The phantoms were filled with four different agarose-oil-emulsions mimicking differences in breast densities. Phantoms were scanned in a B-CT system with systematic variation of the tube current (6, 12.5, 25, 32, 40, 50, 64, 80, 100, 125 mA). Evaluation of SNR and the average dose per volume using Monte Carlo simulations were performed for high (HR) and standard (STD) spatial

SUBMITTER: Germann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8128791 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature